What should the finish be like on the thunder 1? mine is quite a thick lacquer I would prefer it if it was a natural oiled type finish an am considering whether it would be possible, easy or even worthwhile to try to refinish the guitar. I bought it 10 years ago, but it never became my guitar of choice, however, I want to start using it again as it is my only HH guitar. I need to rewire it and do setup too as 10 years ago I did some amateurish tinkering.

Not much love for the Thunder eh? Pity, they're among my favourite Westies. 'Course, mine have the active circuit (I-A) which is great for scaring drummers and my cats.

As to refinishing, if the paint is a solid colour it may be hiding a less than appealing grain which is generally why it's painted. Visually it may not likely be very appealing nekkid.

But, sometimes you get lucky, since Mats' paint quality can be better than other builders' "natural" finish. It's a crapshoot though.

If you have a trans finish then you can see what you'd be getting.

If you do decide to strip the paint do a search in these Forums (READ THIS FIRST) for some of the work done by the members. Mats used Imron (catalyzed polyurethane) on most of their solid bodies, which is extremely tough and usually thick. The Thunders may be a little bit thinner. Some have had success with chemical strippers, others have sanded it off. Just be prepared for a bit of work.

Cheers for the reply. It currently has a clear lacquer on. It is quite orangey. How were they shipped from the factiry? I have seen a few that appear to have no finish on. Mine is very glossy.

Not really that there's not much love for the Thunder to be honest, it's jut that I have played acoustic mainly. However around 6 months ago I bought a strat and ever since I have enjoyed playing electric. I think I would have played the thunder a bit more had i not got a bit too enthusiastic with the soldering iron all those years ago. After my first post I descided to tackle the wiring and now it works great. Going to do string height , intonation and pickup adjustment tonight But enjoying the guitar again.

I know. I want to adjust the action first but don't have the small key. Then going to do intonation and pups. 10 years ago when I got it, in the wordss of Manuel "I know nothing". I just guessed at intonation, action, wiring, pretty much everything.

Plugged it in today to compare it to my strat and completely different sound. Don't want to admit it it to myself but I think I sort of prefer it. Maybe just because it is different to what I am used to.

Sgt. Vimes wrote:Wow, red and black trans yeah, but a natural trans? I like it! or could this have been refinished at some point before it came to you horno?either way, cool guitar.

Not sure really. In the back of the cover on the control cavity, the original owner scratched his details in and the dates that he owned it, and I think it looks like he had it from new. Whether he refinished or not, i'm not sure. A mate of mine works with wood a lot, and his opinion is that it is a factory job because it was done so well.

Meant to say, on wednesday, i was thinking once that it is set up i will sell it, as I want to save up to buy a Taylor, acoustic, but I think I am going to struggle to part with it as it sounds and feels so good.